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Court documents released on April 17 reveal that Prince Harry requested enhanced police protection following direct threats from Al-Qaeda. This revelation emerged during last week's closed session at the Royal Courts of Justice in London, where the Duke of Sussex is fighting to restore his state-funded security protection.
Harry's legal team disclosed that the terrorist organization had called for him "to be murdered" after his security was downgraded in 2020. His barrister, Shaheed Fatima, stated that Al-Qaeda published a message saying his "assassination would please the Muslim community."
The 40-year-old Duke attended the two-day hearing personally, underscoring the gravity of his appeal. "There is a person sitting behind me whose safety, whose security and whose life is at stake," Fatima emphasized in her emotional summary last Wednesday.
Prince Harry's security concerns stem partially from his military background. Having served two tours in Afghanistan with the British Army—experiences he detailed in his memoir *Spare*—the Duke became a potential target for extremist groups.
The legal dispute centers on the 2020 decision by the Executive Committee for the Protection of Royalty and Public Figures (RAVEC) to strip Harry's automatic security following his step back from royal duties with his wife, Meghan Markle. Instead of full protection, they implemented a "bespoke" case-by-case arrangement requiring 30 days' notice for UK visits.
Harry's legal team argues that no formal risk assessment was conducted before this critical security change. The open summary confirms that Prince Harry still hasn't received this assessment, describing his current security arrangement as "inadequate, inappropriate and ineffective."
"His presence here and throughout this appeal is a potent demonstration of how much this appeal means to him and his family," Fatima told the court.
Speaking to People magazine as he departed court on April 9, Harry appeared visibly shaken: "My worst fears have been confirmed by the whole legal disclosure in this case—and that's really sad." He added, "People would be shocked by what's being held back."
The Duke and Duchess now reside in California with their children, Prince Archie (5) and Princess Lilibet (3). His lawyers have consistently maintained that he "does not feel safe" bringing his family to the UK without proper protection.
A decision on the appeal is expected in the coming weeks. Sources close to Harry's legal team expressed "cautious optimism" about the outcome, while The Times reported that the losing side could face costs of approximately $1.9 million.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between Harry and the royal establishment, with the Duke believing his father, King Charles, could intervene as ceremonial head of government—a position the palace denies.
